How to support your loved ones with Alzheimer’s with palliative care
Alzheimer’s and dementia are degenerative conditions that rob people of their memories, faculties, and independence. If your loved one is a victim of either disease, hospice and/or palliative care is an appropriate option for consideration.
Dementia is a general term that refers to the overall deterioration in how the human brain functions due to injury or disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases arise from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common and probably most familiar form of dementia. Alzheimer’s occurs when areas of the brain brain are destroyed by fat deposits in the areas controlling our memory and mental functions.
The second most common form of dementia is vascular dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This can result from a stroke or other injury or condition that eliminates or diminishes the amount of blood flow to the brain.
Regardless of what the root of the problem is, individuals with dementia can exhibit various symptoms. These can include; memory loss, language/communication difficulties, changes in behavior or personality, and growing agitated or an inability to solve problems. Depending upon the severity of dementia, some individuals might not be able to think well enough to perform their everyday activities. When this occurs, it is time to consider options that will help facilitate and assist with everyday chores like bathing, getting dressed, or eating.
Once your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, you should seek the appropriate professional care. Palliative care is best for patients who have more recently had a diagnosis, and hospice care typically has a set of criteria which are necessary to be met before receiving treatment.
Specifically, two doctors must certify that the patient has a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six or fewer months. Regardless of the status of your family member or loved one, Unity First provides top of the line medical support for those affected by Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We work in tandem with the patient and those closest to them to provide bespoke and nurturing care. In specific, the transition programs provide emotional and practical support to patients and families and to help identify when admission to hospice might be appropriate.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
- https://getpalliativecare.org/whatis/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20046610
